U.S. patent application number 16/101820 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-21 for magnetic sensor device and current sensor.
This patent application is currently assigned to TDK CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is TDK CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yuta SAITO, Kenichi TAKANO, Suguru WATANABE.
Application Number | 20190086447 16/101820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65527079 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190086447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAKANO; Kenichi ; et
al. |
March 21, 2019 |
MAGNETIC SENSOR DEVICE AND CURRENT SENSOR
Abstract
A current sensor includes a magnetic sensor device. The magnetic
sensor device includes a magnetic sensor, a first magnetic layer,
and a second magnetic layer in non-contact with the first magnetic
layer. The magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the
second magnetic layer are disposed across a virtual straight line
and arranged in this order in a direction parallel to the virtual
straight line. Different portions of magnetic flux generated by a
current to be detected pass through the magnetic sensor, the first
magnetic layer, and the second magnetic layer.
Inventors: |
TAKANO; Kenichi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; SAITO; Yuta; (Tokyo, JP) ; WATANABE;
Suguru; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TDK CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TDK CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
65527079 |
Appl. No.: |
16/101820 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R 15/207 20130101;
G01R 33/0076 20130101; G01R 33/09 20130101; G01R 19/0092 20130101;
G01R 15/205 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01R 15/20 20060101
G01R015/20; G01R 33/09 20060101 G01R033/09; G01R 19/00 20060101
G01R019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 15, 2017 |
JP |
2017-177331 |
Claims
1. A magnetic sensor device for use in a current sensor for
detecting a value of a current to be detected, comprising: a
magnetic sensor; a first magnetic layer; and a second magnetic
layer in non-contact with the first magnetic layer, wherein the
magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic
layer are disposed across a virtual straight line and arranged in
this order in a first direction parallel to the virtual straight
line so that different portions of magnetic flux generated by the
current to be detected pass through the magnetic sensor, the first
magnetic layer, and the second magnetic layer.
2. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the
magnetic sensor includes a magnetoresistive element.
3. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the
magnetic sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field in a
second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
4. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 3, wherein each of
the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer has a first
dimension in the first direction, and a second dimension in the
second direction, the second dimension being greater than the first
dimension.
5. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the
first magnetic layer is smaller in the second dimension than the
second magnetic layer.
6. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the
first magnetic layer is smaller in volume than the second magnetic
layer.
7. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 6, wherein the
first magnetic layer is smaller in at least one of the first and
second dimensions than the second magnetic layer.
8. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 3, wherein each of
the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer has a first
dimension in the first direction, a second dimension in the second
direction, and a third dimension in a third direction orthogonal to
the first and second directions, the third dimension being greater
than the second dimension.
9. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 8, wherein the
third dimension of the first magnetic layer is smaller than or
equal to the third dimension of the second magnetic layer.
10. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the
first magnetic layer is lower in coercivity than the second
magnetic layer.
11. The magnetic sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the
magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic
layer are integrated with each other and independent of a conductor
through which the current to be detected flows.
12. A current sensor comprising: a coil for generating a second
magnetic field for canceling out a first magnetic field generated
by a current to be detected; a magnetic sensor for detecting a
composite magnetic field of the first and second magnetic fields as
a magnetic field to be detected, and generating a magnetic-field
detection value dependent on a strength of the magnetic field to be
detected; a feedback circuit for controlling, in accordance with
the magnetic-field detection value, a feedback current to be used
to generate the second magnetic field, and passing the feedback
current through the coil; a current detector for generating a
detection value of the feedback current; a first magnetic layer;
and a second magnetic layer in non-contact with the first magnetic
layer, wherein the magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and
the second magnetic layer are disposed across a virtual straight
line and arranged in this order in a first direction parallel to
the virtual straight line so that different portions of magnetic
flux generated by the current to be detected pass through the
magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic
layer.
13. The current sensor according to claim 12, wherein the magnetic
sensor includes a magnetoresistive element.
14. The current sensor according to claim 12, wherein the magnetic
sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field in a second
direction orthogonal to the first direction.
15. The current sensor according to claim 14, wherein each of the
first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer has a first
dimension in the first direction, and a second dimension in the
second direction, the second dimension being greater than the first
dimension.
16. The current sensor according to claim 15, wherein the first
magnetic layer is smaller in the second dimension than the second
magnetic layer.
17. The current sensor according to claim 15, wherein the first
magnetic layer is smaller in volume than the second magnetic
layer.
18. The current sensor according to claim 17, wherein the first
magnetic layer is smaller in at least one of the first and second
dimensions than the second magnetic layer.
19. The current sensor according to claim 14, wherein each of the
first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer has a first
dimension in the first direction, a second dimension in the second
direction, and a third dimension in a third direction orthogonal to
the first and second directions, the third dimension being greater
than the second dimension.
20. The current sensor according to claim 19, wherein the third
dimension of the first magnetic layer is smaller than or equal to
the third dimension of the second magnetic layer.
21. The current sensor according to claim 12, wherein the first
magnetic layer is lower in coercivity than the second magnetic
layer.
22. The current sensor according to claim 12, wherein the coil is
located on an opposite side of the first magnetic layer from the
second magnetic layer.
23. The current sensor according to claim 12, wherein the coil, the
magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic
layer are integrated with each other and independent of a conductor
through which the current to be detected flows.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a current sensor, and a
magnetic sensor device for use in the current sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Magnetic balance type current sensors, such as one disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,754,642 B2, are known as current sensors that
are capable of accurately detecting the value of a current to be
detected flowing through a conductor. In general, a magnetic
balance type current sensor includes a feedback coil, a magnetic
sensor, a feedback circuit, and a current detector. The feedback
coil is intended to generate a second magnetic field that cancels
out a first magnetic field generated by the current to be detected
flowing through the conductor. The magnetic sensor detects a
composite magnetic field of the first and second magnetic fields as
a magnetic field to be detected, and generates a magnetic-field
detection value that depends on the strength of the magnetic field
to be detected. The feedback circuit controls, in accordance with
the magnetic-field detection value, a feedback current for
generating the second magnetic field, and passes the feedback
current through the feedback coil. The current detector generates a
detection value of the feedback current. An example of the current
detector is a resistor inserted to a current path of the feedback
current. A potential difference across the resistor corresponds to
the detection value of the feedback current. The detection value of
the feedback current generated by the current detector will
hereinafter be referred to as a current detection value. The
current detection value is in proportion to the value of the
current to be detected. The current detection value thus
corresponds to a detection value of the current to be detected. The
magnetic balance type current sensor operates so that the magnetic
field to be detected by the magnetic sensor approaches zero.
[0003] The magnetic balance type current sensor described in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,754,642 B2 includes a magnetic shield. The magnetic
shield serves to reduce the absolute value of the first magnetic
field relative to the case where there is no magnetic shield. This
makes it possible to extend the range of detectable values of the
current to be detected relative to the case where there is no
magnetic shield.
[0004] JP 2017-078577A describes a current sensor that includes a
first shield material having a first flat part, a second shield
material having a second flat part opposed to the first flat part,
a bus bar provided between the first shield material and the second
shield material, and a detecting element provided between the first
flat part and the bus bar. The first shield material has a wall
part surrounding the first flat part one round.
[0005] A magnetic shield in a current sensor has a hysteresis
property. Therefore, once the magnetic shield has been magnetized
by an applied magnetic field, a certain amount of magnetization
remains, even after the applied magnetic field has disappeared, in
the magnetic shield in the direction in which the magnetic shield
has been magnetized by the applied magnetic field. The current
sensor having the magnetic shield has a problem that the hysteresis
property of the magnetic shield can cause an error in the current
detection value.
[0006] The current sensor described in JP 2017-078577A requires
that a part of the bus bar be located between the first shield
material and the second shield material, thus having a disadvantage
that the current sensor cannot be configured independently of the
bus bar.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
current sensor and a magnetic sensor device for use in the current
sensor that enable extension of a range of detectable values of a
current to be detected and reduction of an error occurring in a
current detection value.
[0008] A magnetic sensor device of the present invention is for use
in a current sensor for detecting a value of a current to be
detected. The magnetic sensor device of the present invention
includes a magnetic sensor, a first magnetic layer, and a second
magnetic layer in non-contact with the first magnetic layer. The
magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic
layer are disposed across a virtual straight line and arranged in
this order in a first direction parallel to the virtual straight
line so that different portions of magnetic flux generated by the
current to be detected pass through the magnetic sensor, the first
magnetic layer, and the second magnetic layer.
[0009] A current sensor of the present invention includes: a coil
for generating a second magnetic field for canceling out a first
magnetic field generated by a current to be detected; a magnetic
sensor for detecting a composite magnetic field of the first and
second magnetic fields as a magnetic field to be detected, and
generating a magnetic-field detection value dependent on a strength
of the magnetic field to be detected; a feedback circuit for
controlling, in accordance with the magnetic-field detection value,
a feedback current to be used to generate the second magnetic
field, and passing the feedback current through the coil; a current
detector for generating a detection value of the feedback current;
a first magnetic layer; and a second magnetic layer in non-contact
with the first magnetic layer. The magnetic sensor, the first
magnetic layer, and the second magnetic layer are disposed across a
virtual straight line and arranged in this order in a first
direction parallel to the virtual straight line so that different
portions of magnetic flux generated by the current to be detected
pass through the magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the
second magnetic layer.
[0010] In the magnetic sensor device and the current sensor of the
present invention, the magnetic sensor may include a
magnetoresistive element.
[0011] In the magnetic sensor device and the current sensor of the
present invention, the magnetic sensor may be configured to detect
a magnetic field in a second direction orthogonal to the first
direction. Each of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic
layer has a first dimension in the first direction, and a second
dimension in the second direction. The second dimension may be
greater than the first dimension. The first magnetic layer may be
smaller in the second dimension than the second magnetic layer. The
first magnetic layer may be smaller in volume than the second
magnetic layer. In this case, the first magnetic layer may be
smaller in at least one of the first and second dimensions than the
second magnetic layer.
[0012] In the magnetic sensor device and the current sensor of the
present invention, each of the first magnetic layer and the second
magnetic layer may have a first dimension in the first direction, a
second dimension in the second direction, and a third dimension in
a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.
The third dimension may be greater than the second dimension. The
third dimension of the first magnetic layer may be smaller than or
equal to the third dimension of the second magnetic layer.
[0013] In the magnetic sensor device and the current sensor of the
present invention, the first magnetic layer may be lower in
coercivity than the second magnetic layer.
[0014] In the magnetic sensor device of the present invention, the
magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second magnetic
layer may be integrated with each other and independent of a
conductor through which the current to be detected flows.
[0015] In the current sensor of the present invention, the coil may
be located on an opposite side of the first magnetic layer from the
second magnetic layer.
[0016] In the current sensor of the present invention, the coil,
the magnetic sensor, the first magnetic layer, and the second
magnetic layer may be integrated with each other and independent of
a conductor through which the current to be detected flows.
[0017] According to the magnetic sensor device and the current
sensor of the present invention, the provision of the first
magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer makes it possible to
reduce the absolute value of a magnetic field that is generated by
a current to be detected and is applied to the magnetic sensor,
thereby enabling extension of a range of detectable values of the
current to be detected.
[0018] Further, according to the magnetic sensor device and the
current sensor of the present invention, the magnetic sensor, the
first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are arranged in
this order in the first direction parallel to the virtual straight
line. This enables reduction of an error occurring in the current
detection value.
[0019] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will appear more fully from the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration
of a system including a current sensor according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main body of the
current sensor according to the embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining magnetic
flux passing through the main body of the current sensor according
to the embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
the current sensor according to the embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating a Wheatstone bridge
circuit, which is part of a magnetic sensor in the current sensor
according to the embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a portion of a
current sensor of a second comparative example.
[0026] FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a plurality
of structural parameters that have effects on the characteristics
of the current sensor according to the embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a plurality
of structural parameters that have effects on the characteristics
of the current sensor according to the embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a characteristic chart illustrating the results of
a first simulation.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a characteristic chart showing part of FIG. 8 on
an enlarged scale.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a characteristic chart illustrating the results
of a second simulation.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a characteristic chart showing part of FIG. 10 on
an enlarged scale.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of a magnetic layer of the second comparative
example obtained from a third simulation.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristics of first and second magnetic layers of a first
example obtained from the third simulation.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristics of first and second magnetic layers of a second
example obtained from the third simulation.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of a shield factor obtained from a fourth
simulation.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of a hysteresis parameter obtained from the fourth
simulation.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
relationship between the shield factor and the hysteresis parameter
obtained from the fourth simulation.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of the shield factor obtained from a fifth
simulation.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of the hysteresis parameter obtained from the fifth
simulation.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of the shield factor obtained from a sixth
simulation.
[0041] FIG. 21 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of the hysteresis parameter obtained from the sixth
simulation.
[0042] FIG. 22 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of the shield factor obtained from a seventh
simulation.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a characteristic chart illustrating the
characteristic of the hysteresis parameter obtained from the
seventh simulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0044] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the drawings. First,
reference is made to FIG. 1 to describe the configuration of a
system including a current sensor according to the embodiment of
the invention. The current sensor 1 according to the embodiment is
to detect the value of a current to be detected flowing through a
conductor. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the conductor
through which the current to be detected flows is a bus bar 2. The
current sensor 1 is disposed near the bus bar 2. Hereinafter, the
current to be detected will be referred to as target current Itg.
The target current Itg generates a magnetic field 3 around the bus
bar 2. The current sensor 1 is disposed at a position where the
magnetic field 3 is applied.
[0045] The configuration of the current sensor 1 will now be
described. First, a description will be given of a main body 10 of
the current sensor 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main
body 10 of the current sensor 1. The current sensor 1 is a magnetic
balance type current sensor. As shown in FIG. 2, the current sensor
1 includes a coil 11, a magnetic sensor 12, a first magnetic layer
51, and a second magnetic layer 52. The coil 11, the magnetic
sensor 12, the first magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic
layer 52 are integrated with each other by a plurality of
nonmagnetic layers, which will be described later, to constitute
the main body 10 of the current sensor 1. The first magnetic layer
51 and the second magnetic layer 52 are separated from each other
by a nonmagnetic layer. The main body 10 of the current sensor 1 is
independent of the bus bar 2.
[0046] A magnetic sensor device 50 according to this embodiment
includes the magnetic sensor 12, the first magnetic layer 51, and
the second magnetic layer 52. The main body 10 of the current
sensor 1 includes the magnetic sensor device 50 according to the
embodiment.
[0047] Now, we define X, Y and Z directions as shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2. The X, Y and Z directions are orthogonal to one another. In
this embodiment, the target current Itg shown in FIG. 1 flows in
the Y direction. The opposite directions to the X, Y, and Z
directions will be referred to as -X, -Y, and -Z directions,
respectively. As used herein, the term "above" refers to positions
located forward of a reference position in the Z direction, and
"below" refers to positions located on a side of the reference
position opposite to "above".
[0048] The main body 10 of the current sensor 1 is disposed above
or below the bus bar 2. The following illustrates an example in
which the main body 10 is disposed above the bus bar 2.
[0049] Assume here that there is a virtual straight line L parallel
to the Z direction, as shown in FIG. 2. The magnetic sensor 12, the
first magnetic layer 51, and the second magnetic layer 52 are
disposed across the virtual straight line L and arranged in this
order in a direction parallel to the Z direction. A direction
parallel to the Z direction is also a direction parallel to the
virtual straight line L, and corresponds to the first direction in
the present invention. The coil 11 is located on an opposite side
of the first magnetic layer 51 from the second magnetic layer 52.
In this embodiment, the second magnetic layer 52 is located above
the first magnetic layer 51, whereas the coil 11 and the magnetic
sensor 12 are located below the first magnetic layer 51.
[0050] The magnetic sensor 12, the first magnetic layer 51, and the
second magnetic layer 52 are disposed and arranged in the
above-described manner so that different portions of magnetic flux
generated by the target current Itg pass through the magnetic
sensor 12, the first magnetic layer 51, and the second magnetic
layer 52. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining magnetic
flux passing through the main body 10 of the current sensor 1. In
FIG. 3, the arrow labeled MFs represents a magnetic flux passing
through the magnetic sensor 12, the arrow labeled MF1 represents a
magnetic flux passing through the first magnetic layer 51, and the
arrow labeled MF2 represents a magnetic flux passing through the
second magnetic layer 52. Each of the magnetic fluxes MFs, MF1, and
MF2 is a portion of the magnetic flux generated by the target
current Itg.
[0051] A portion of the magnetic field 3 generated by the target
current Itg that is detectable by the magnetic sensor 12 will be
referred to as the first magnetic field H1. The first and second
magnetic layers 51 and 52 have the function of partly capturing the
magnetic flux generated by the target current Itg and thereby
reducing the absolute value of the first magnetic field H1 relative
to the case without the first and second magnetic layers 51 and
52.
[0052] The coil 11 is to generate a second magnetic field H2 that
cancels out the first magnetic field H1. The magnetic sensor 12
detects, as a magnetic field to be detected, a composite magnetic
field of the first and second magnetic fields H1 and H2, and
generates a magnetic-field detection value S dependent on the
strength of the magnetic field to be detected. Hereinafter, the
magnetic field to be detected will be referred to as the target
magnetic field. The first magnetic field H1 and the second magnetic
field H2 are shown in FIG. 4 to be described later.
[0053] In this embodiment, the direction of each of the first and
second magnetic fields H1 and H2 and the direction of the target
magnetic field are parallel to the X direction. A direction
parallel to the X direction corresponds to the second direction in
the present invention. The configuration of the magnetic sensor 12
will be described in detail later.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the current sensor 1 further includes a
substrate 61, insulating layers 62, 63 and 64, and nonmagnetic
layers 65, 66 and 67. The nonmagnetic layers 65, 66 and 67 may be
insulators or conductors. The insulating layer 62 lies on the
substrate 61. The magnetic sensor 12 lies on the insulating layer
62. The insulating layer 63 is disposed to cover the magnetic
sensor 12 and the insulating layer 62. The insulating layer 64 lies
on the insulating layer 63. The coil 11 is embedded in the
insulating layers 62 to 64 so as not to be in contact with the
substrate 61.
[0055] The first magnetic layer 51 lies on the insulating layer 64.
The nonmagnetic layer 65 lies on the insulating layer 64 and
surrounds the first magnetic layer 51. The nonmagnetic layer 66 is
disposed to cover the first magnetic layer 51 and the nonmagnetic
layer 65. The second magnetic layer 52 lies on the nonmagnetic
layer 66. The nonmagnetic layer 67 lies on the nonmagnetic layer 66
and surrounds the second magnetic layer 52.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the nonmagnetic layer 66 is interposed
between the first magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic layer
52 to separate them from each other. The second magnetic layer 52
is therefore in non-contact with the first magnetic layer 51. The
shapes of the first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 will be
described in detail later.
[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 to describe portions of the
current sensor 1 other than the main body 10. FIG. 4 is a block
diagram illustrating the configuration of the current sensor 1. As
shown in FIG. 4, the current sensor 1 further includes a feedback
circuit 30 and a current detector 40. The feedback circuit 30
controls, in accordance with the magnetic-field detection value S,
a feedback current to be used to generate the second magnetic field
H2, and passes the feedback current through the coil 11. The
current detector 40 generates a detection value of the feedback
current passed through the coil 11. The current detector 40 is, for
example, a resistor inserted to a current path of the feedback
current. A potential difference across the resistor corresponds to
the detection value of the feedback current. The detection value of
the feedback current generated by the current detector 40 will
hereinafter be referred to as a current detection value. The
current detection value is in proportion to the value of the target
current Itg. The current detection value thus corresponds to the
detection value of the target current Itg.
[0058] The feedback circuit 30 includes a feedback control circuit
31. The feedback control circuit 31 generates the feedback current
controlled in accordance with the magnetic-field detection value S,
and supplies it to the coil 11.
[0059] Next, the configuration of the magnetic sensor 12 will be
described in detail. The magnetic sensor 12 may include at least
one magnetoresistive element. The magnetoresistive element may be a
spin-valve magnetoresistive element or an anisotropic
magnetoresistive (AMR) element. The spin-valve magnetoresistive
element may be a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) element or a
giant magnetoresistive (GMR) element. The spin-valve
magnetoresistive element includes a magnetization pinned layer
whose magnetization direction is pinned, a free layer which is a
magnetic layer whose magnetization direction varies depending on
the direction and strength of an applied magnetic field, a
nonmagnetic layer located between the magnetization pinned layer
and the free layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer. The
magnetization pinned layer is located between the antiferromagnetic
layer and the nonmagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer is
formed of an antiferromagnetic material, and establishes exchange
coupling with the magnetization pinned layer to pin the
magnetization direction of the magnetization pinned layer. In TMR
elements, the nonmagnetic layer is a tunnel barrier layer. In GMR
elements, the nonmagnetic layer is a nonmagnetic conductive
layer.
[0060] An example of configuration of the magnetic sensor 12 will
now be described. In this example, the magnetic sensor 12 includes
a Wheatstone bridge circuit 13.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the Wheatstone
bridge circuit 13. The Wheatstone bridge circuit 13 has a power
supply port 21, a ground port 22, a first output port 23, a second
output port 24, and four resistor sections R1, R2, R3 and R4.
[0062] The resistor section R1 is provided between the power supply
port 21 and the first output port 23. The resistor section R2 is
provided between the first output port 23 and the ground port 22.
The resistor section R3 is provided between the power supply port
21 and the second output port 24. The resistor section R4 is
provided between the second output port 24 and the ground port 22.
The power supply port 21 is configured to receive a power supply
voltage of predetermined magnitude. The ground port 22 is connected
to the ground.
[0063] Each of the resistor sections R1, R2, R3 and R4 includes a
spin-valve magnetoresistive element. The magnetization pinned layer
of the magnetoresistive element of each of the resistor sections R1
and R4 has a first magnetization direction. The magnetization
pinned layer of the magnetoresistive element of each of the
resistor sections R2 and R3 has a second magnetization direction
opposite to the first magnetization direction. Here, a direction
parallel to the first and second magnetization directions will be
referred to as magnetosensitive direction. The free layer of each
magnetoresistive element preferably has a shape magnetic anisotropy
whose easy axis is orthogonal to the magnetosensitive
direction.
[0064] The magnetic field 3 generated by the target current Itg and
a magnetic field generated by the coil 11 are applied to the
Wheatstone bridge circuit 13. The Wheatstone bridge circuit 13 is
positioned such that the directions of the aforementioned two
magnetic fields to be applied thereto are opposite or substantially
opposite to each other, and is oriented such that the
magnetosensitive direction is parallel or substantially parallel to
the directions of the aforementioned two magnetic fields.
[0065] In this example, the first magnetic field H1 is a component
in the magnetosensitive direction of the magnetic field generated
by the target current Itg and applied to the Wheatstone bridge
circuit 13. The second magnetic field H2 is a component in the
magnetosensitive direction of the magnetic field generated by the
coil 11 and applied to the Wheatstone bridge circuit 13.
[0066] In the Wheatstone bridge circuit 13, a potential difference
between the output ports 23 and 24 varies depending on the strength
of the target magnetic field. The magnetic sensor 12 outputs a
magnetic-field detection value S corresponding to the potential
difference between the output ports 23 and 24 of the Wheatstone
bridge circuit 13. The strength of the target magnetic field, the
potential difference between the output ports 23 and 24, and the
magnetic-field detection value S can be of positive or negative
values depending on the magnitudes of the first magnetic field H1
and the second magnetic field H2 relative to each other.
[0067] The shapes of the first magnetic layer 51 and the second
magnetic layer 52 will now be described in detail with reference to
FIG. 2. Each of the first magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic
layer 52 has a first dimension in the first direction, i.e., a
dimension in the Z direction, and a second dimension in the second
direction, i.e., a dimension in the X direction. As shown in FIG.
2, in each of the first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52, the
dimension in the X direction is greater than the dimension in the Z
direction. The first magnetic layer 51 preferably smaller in the
dimension in the X direction than the second magnetic layer 52.
[0068] A direction orthogonal to the first and second directions
will be referred to as the third direction. In this embodiment, the
third direction is parallel to the Y direction. Each of the first
and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 further has a third dimension
in the third direction, i.e., a dimension in the Y direction. The
dimension in the Y direction of each of the first and second
magnetic layers 51 and 52 is shown in FIG. 7B to be described
later. In each of the first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52,
the dimension in the Y direction is greater than the dimension in
the X direction. The dimension in the Y direction of the first
magnetic layer 51 is preferably smaller than or equal to the
dimension in the Y direction of the second magnetic layer 52.
[0069] The first magnetic layer 51 is preferably smaller in volume
than the second magnetic layer 52. To achieve this, the first
magnetic layer 51 is preferably smaller in at least one of the
dimension in the Z direction and the dimension in the X direction
than the second magnetic layer 52. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in
which the first magnetic layer 51 is smaller in both of the
dimension in the Z direction and the dimension in the X direction
than the second magnetic layer 52.
[0070] When one of the dimension in the Z direction and the
dimension in the X direction of the first magnetic layer 51 is
greater than that of the second magnetic layer 52, the first
magnetic layer 51 can be smaller in volume than the second magnetic
layer 52 if the other of the dimension in the Z direction and the
dimension in the X direction of the first magnetic layer 51 is
smaller than that of the second magnetic layer 52. The first
magnetic layer 51 may thus have such a shape.
[0071] For example, each of the first and second magnetic layers 51
and 52 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The first
and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 are preferably sized and
located to overlay the entirety of the magnetic sensor 12 when
viewed from above. The magnetic sensor 12 has a dimension in the X
direction of, for example, 0.3 to 50 .mu.m, and each of the first
and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 has a dimension in the X
direction of, for example, several micrometers to several hundreds
of micrometers. Although not illustrated, the magnetic sensor 12
has a dimension in the Y direction of, for example, 1 to 200 .mu.m,
and each of the first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 has a
dimension in the Y direction of, for example, several micrometers
to several hundreds of micrometers. Each of the first and second
magnetic layers 51 and 52 has a dimension in the Z direction of,
for example, 0.5 .mu.m to several tens of micrometers.
[0072] The first magnetic layer 51 may be lower in coercivity than
the second magnetic layer 52. The reason therefor will be described
later.
[0073] Now, the effects of the current sensor 1 and the magnetic
sensor device 50 according to the embodiment will be described with
reference to the results of a plurality of simulations. First, a
description will be given of current sensors of first and second
comparative examples and current sensors 1 of first and second
examples used in the simulations.
[0074] The current sensor of the first comparative example has the
same configuration as that of the current sensor 1 according to the
embodiment except that it has neither of first and second magnetic
layers 51 and 52.
[0075] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a portion of
the current sensor 101 of the second comparative example. The
current sensor 101 of the second comparative example is provided
with a single magnetic layer 151 instead of the first and second
magnetic layers 51 and 52. The magnetic layer 151 is located above
the magnetic sensor 12. The remainder of configuration of the
current sensor 101 of the second comparative example is the same as
that of the current sensor 1 according to the embodiment.
[0076] The magnetic layer 151 has a dimension in the Z direction of
7 .mu.m. The magnetic layer 151 has a dimension in the X direction
of 40 .mu.m. The magnetic layer 151 has a dimension in the Y
direction of 100 .mu.m. As shown in FIG. 6, the symbol d1
represents the distance from the center in the Z direction of the
magnetic sensor 12 to the magnetic layer 151. The value of d1 will
be described later.
[0077] The current sensors 1 of the first and second examples each
correspond to the current sensor 1 according to the embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a plurality
of structural parameters that have effects on the characteristics
of the current sensor 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the symbol w1 represents the dimension in the
X direction of the first magnetic layer 51, and the symbol w3
represents the dimension in the X direction of the second magnetic
layer 52. In the first example, the dimension w1 in the X direction
of the first magnetic layer 51 is equal to the dimension w3 in the
X direction of the second magnetic layer 52. In the second example,
the dimension w1 in the X direction of the first magnetic layer 51
is smaller than the dimension w3 in the X direction of the second
magnetic layer 52.
[0078] In each of the first and second examples, the dimension w3
in the X direction of the second magnetic layer 52 is 40 .mu.m. In
the first example, the dimension w1 in the X direction of the first
magnetic layer 51 is also 40 .mu.m. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A
and FIG. 7B, the symbol t1 represents the dimension in the Z
direction of the first magnetic layer 51, the symbol t2 represents
the dimension in the Z direction of the second magnetic layer 52,
the symbol w2 represents the dimension in the Y direction of the
first magnetic layer 51, the symbol w4 represents the dimension in
the Y direction of the second magnetic layer 52, the symbol d2
represents the distance from the center in the Z direction of the
magnetic sensor 12 to the first magnetic layer 51, and the symbol g
represents the gap between the first magnetic layer 51 and the
second magnetic layer 52. In each of the first and second examples,
the dimensions w2 and w4 are both 100 .mu.m. The values of t1, t2,
d2 and g, and also the value of w1 of the second example will be
described later.
[0079] The results of a first simulation will now be described. The
first simulation investigated the effects of the magnetic layers on
the characteristics of the current sensor. In the first simulation,
an external magnetic field H in a direction parallel to the X
direction was applied to each of the current sensor of the first
comparative example and the current sensor 101 of the second
comparative example to investigate the relationship between a
magnetic flux density B corresponding to the external magnetic
field H, calculated from the external magnetic field H, and the
magnetic-field detection value S. The magnitude of the external
magnetic field H was increased and decreased within a predetermined
range including positive values and negative values. In the first
simulation, the distance d1 was set at 2.5 .mu.m.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates the characteristics of the current sensor
of the first comparative example and the current sensor 101 of the
second comparative example obtained from the first simulation. In
FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the magnetic flux density B,
and the vertical axis represents the magnetic-field detection value
S. In FIG. 8, the dashed curve 201 represents the characteristic of
the current sensor of the first comparative example, and the solid
curve 202 represents the characteristic of the current sensor 101
of the second comparative example.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, the second comparative example (see the
reference numeral 202) shows a smaller gradient of change in the
magnetic-field detection value S versus the change in the magnetic
flux density B, compared with the first comparative example (see
the reference numeral 201). This is because of the function of the
magnetic layer 151. To be more specific, the magnetic layer 151 has
the function of capturing part of magnetic flux generated by the
external magnetic field H and thereby making the absolute value of
the first magnetic field H1 smaller than in the case without the
magnetic layer 151. The magnetic-field detection value S varies
depending on the value of the first magnetic field H1. For these
reasons, the gradient of change in the magnetic-field detection
value S versus the change in the magnetic flux density B is smaller
in the second comparative example than in the first comparative
example.
[0082] For the first comparative example, when the absolute value
of the target magnetic field reaches a predetermined magnitude or
greater, the linearity of the output characteristic of the current
sensor, i.e., the linearity of the magnetic-field detection value S
to the target magnetic field, deteriorates. On the other hand, for
the second comparative example, the absolute value range of the
first magnetic field H1 is narrowed by virtue of the
above-described function of the magnetic layer 151, and as a
result, the absolute value range of the target magnetic field is
also narrowed. The narrower the absolute value range of the target
magnetic field, the greater is the maximum absolute value of a
target current Itg that can be detected using a range of the
magnetic-field detection value S having a good linearity to the
target magnetic field.
[0083] FIG. 9 shows part of the characteristics shown in FIG. 8 on
an enlarged scale. As shown in FIG. 9, in the second comparative
example (see the reference numeral 202) the magnetic-field
detection value S shows an offset. An offset of the magnetic-field
detection value S refers to a deviation of the magnetic-field
detection value S from a predetermined reference value, e.g., 0 mV,
when the value of the magnetic flux density B is 0. The offset of
the magnetic-field detection value S causes an error in the current
detection value.
[0084] The magnetic layer 151 has a hysteresis property. Thus, when
the magnitude of the external magnetic field H is increased and
decreased within a predetermined range as in the first simulation,
a certain amount of magnetization remains in the magnetic layer 151
in the direction of the applied magnetic field even after the
external magnetic field H has disappeared. Accordingly, in the
second comparative example, when the value of the magnetic flux
density B is 0, the magnetization remaining in the magnetic layer
151 applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor 12. The
magnetization remaining in the magnetic layer 151 in the absence of
the external magnetic field H will hereinafter be referred to as
residual magnetization. Due to the residual magnetization, an
offset occurs in the magnetic-field detection value S.
[0085] The absolute value of the difference between two magnetic
flux densities B when the magnetic-field detection value S is 0
will be referred to as a hysteresis parameter. An error that occurs
in the current detection value due to the hysteresis property
increases as the value of the hysteresis parameter increases.
[0086] Next, the results of a second simulation will be described.
The second simulation investigated the effects of the magnetic
layer 151 and the first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 on the
characteristics of the current sensor 1. In the second simulation,
an external magnetic field H in a direction parallel to the X
direction was applied to each of the current sensor 101 of the
second comparative example and the current sensors 1 of the first
and second examples to investigate the relationship between the
magnetic flux density B and the magnetic-field detection value S.
The magnitude of the external magnetic field H was increased and
decreased within a predetermined range including positive values
and negative values. In the second simulation, the structural
parameters shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B were set as follows. The
dimension t1 was set at 2 .mu.m. The dimension t2 was set at 5
.mu.m. The distances d1 and d2 were set at 2.5 .mu.m. The gap g was
set at 0.2 .mu.m. The dimension w1 of the second example was set at
30 .mu.m.
[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates the characteristics of the current
sensor 101 of the second comparative example and the current
sensors 1 of the first and second examples obtained from the second
simulation. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents the magnetic
flux density B, and the vertical axis represents the magnetic-field
detection value S. In FIG. 10, the dashed curve 202 represents the
characteristic of the current sensor 101 of the second comparative
example, the dot-and-dash curve 211 represents the characteristic
of the current sensor 1 of the first example, and the solid curve
212 represents the characteristic of the current sensor 1 of the
second example. In FIG. 10 the curves 211 and 212 substantially
coincide with each other.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, the gradient of change in the
magnetic-field detection value S versus the change in the magnetic
flux density B for each of the first and second examples (see the
reference numerals 211 and 212) is almost the same as that for the
second comparative example (see the reference numeral 202). This is
because of the function of the first and second magnetic layers 51
and 52 similar to the magnetic layer 151. To be more specific, the
first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 have the function of
making the absolute value of the first magnetic field H1 smaller
than in the case without the first and second magnetic layers 51
and 52. For this reason, each of the first and second examples
shows a smaller gradient of change in the magnetic-field detection
value S versus the change in the magnetic flux density B, compared
with the first comparative example shown in FIG. 8 (see the
reference numeral 201).
[0089] FIG. 11 shows part of the characteristics shown in FIG. 10
on an enlarged scale. As shown in FIG. 11, the first and second
examples (see the reference numerals 211 and 212) show smaller
values of hysteresis parameter compared with the second comparative
example (see the reference numeral 202). Further, the second
example (see the reference numeral 212) shows smaller values of
hysteresis parameter compared with the first example (see the
reference numeral 211). The reason for the smaller values of
hysteresis parameter will be described later.
[0090] As a plurality of performance parameters for current
sensors, detection sensitivity, offset parameter, hysteresis
parameter (described above), and shield factor will now be
considered. The detection sensitivity is the ratio of a variation
in the magnetic-field detection value S to a variation in the
magnetic flux density B in a range of the magnetic-field detection
value S having a good linearity to the target magnetic field. The
offset parameter is the absolute value of the difference between
two magnetic-field detection values S when the magnetic flux
density B is 0. The shield factor is the ratio of the detection
sensitivity of each of the second comparative example and the first
and second examples to the detection sensitivity in the case where
none of the magnetic layers 51, 52, and 151 is present, in other
words, the detection sensitivity of the first comparative example,
expressed as a percentage. Table 1 below shows the values of the
performance parameters of the first and second examples and the
first and second comparative examples obtained from the first and
second simulations, with the shield factor of the first comparative
example as 100%.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 First Second comparative comparative First
Second example example example example Detection sensitivity 13.7
2.7 3.1 3.1 (mV/mT) Offset parameter 0.01 0.77 0.58 0.41 (mV)
Hysteresis parameter 0.00 0.28 0.19 0.13 (mT) Shield factor (%)
100.0 19.9 22.5 22.8
[0091] As shown in Table 1, each of the first and second examples
shows a smaller value of detection sensitivity compared with the
first comparative example. The smaller the value of detection
sensitivity, the wider is the range of detectable values of the
target current Itg. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the
provision of the first magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic
layer 52 enables extension of the range of detectable values of the
target current Itg relative to the case where no magnetic layer is
provided, like the first comparative example.
[0092] Further, as shown in Table 1, each of the first and second
examples shows a smaller value of hysteresis parameter compared
with the second comparative example. The smaller the value of
hysteresis parameter, the lower is the error occurring in the
current detection value due to the hysteresis property of a
magnetic layer. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the
provision of the first magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic
layer 52 allows the current detection value to contain a lower
error than in the case where only a single magnetic layer 151 is
provided, like the second comparative example.
[0093] The value of hysteresis parameter of the second example is
lower than that of the first example. This indicates that making
the dimension w1 in the X direction of the first magnetic layer 51
smaller than the dimension w3 in the X direction of the second
magnetic layer 52, as in the second example, contributes to a
reduction in the value of hysteresis parameter, thus leading to a
still lower error in the current detection value.
[0094] Further, as shown in Table 1, each of the first and second
examples shows a smaller value of offset parameter compared with
the second comparative example. As with the hysteresis parameter,
the smaller the value of offset parameter, the lower is the error
occurring in the current detection value due to the hysteresis
property of a magnetic layer.
[0095] A smaller shield factor contributes to a reduction in the
absolute value of the first magnetic field H1 relative to the first
comparative example. As shown in Table 1, the first example and the
second example have almost the same values of shield factor.
[0096] The results of a third simulation will now be described. The
third simulation investigated the magnetizations Mx of the magnetic
layers 51, 52, and 151 by application of an external magnetic field
H in a direction parallel to the X direction to each of the current
sensor 101 of the second comparative example and the current
sensors 1 of the first and second examples. The magnitude of the
external magnetic field H was increased and decreased within a
predetermined range including positive values and negative values.
The value of each magnetization Mx is an average of the values of
components of the magnetization that are in directions parallel to
the X direction. In FIGS. 12 to 14 described below, the value of
the magnetization Mx of each magnetic layer is a normalized value
obtained by dividing the value of the magnetization Mx of the
magnetic layer expressed in a predetermined unit by the value of
the saturated magnetization of the magnetic layer itself expressed
in the predetermined unit. The shapes and arrangements of the
magnetic layers 51, 52, and 151 in the third simulation are the
same as those in the second simulation.
[0097] FIG. 12 shows the characteristic of the magnetic layer 151
of the second comparative example obtained from the third
simulation. FIG. 13 shows the characteristics of the first and
second magnetic layers 51 and 52 of the first example obtained from
the third simulation. FIG. 14 shows the characteristics of the
first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 of the second example
obtained from the third simulation. In each of FIGS. 12 to 14, the
horizontal axis represents the magnetic flux density B, and the
vertical axis represents the magnetization Mx. In FIG. 13, the
solid curve 221 represents the characteristic of the first magnetic
layer 51, and the dashed curve 222 represents the characteristic of
the second magnetic layer 52. In FIG. 14, the solid curve 223
represents the characteristic of the first magnetic layer 51, and
the dashed curve 224 represents the characteristic of the second
magnetic layer 52.
[0098] The gradient of change in the magnetization Mx versus the
change in the magnetic flux density B will hereinafter be referred
to as magnetization change ratio. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the
magnetization change ratio of the magnetic layer 151 of the second
comparative example, that of the first magnetic layer 51 of the
first example (see the reference numeral 221), that of the second
magnetic layer 52 of the first example (see the reference numeral
222), and that of the second magnetic layer 52 of the second
example (see the reference numeral 224) are almost the same. The
magnetization change ratio of the first magnetic layer 51 of the
second example (see the reference numeral 223) is lower than that
of each of the other magnetic layers except the first magnetic
layer 51 of the second example. This is because the dimension w1 in
the X direction of the first magnetic layer 51 of the second
example is smaller than the dimension in the X direction of each of
the other magnetic layers except the first magnetic layer 51 of the
second example.
[0099] Now, discussions will be made as to the reason why the
second example in the second simulation showed a smaller value of
hysteresis parameter compared with the first example.
[0100] For the first magnetic layer 51, the smaller the dimension
w1 in the X direction, i.e., the magnetosensitive direction, the
lower the magnetization change ratio and also the residual
magnetization in the X direction to remain in the first magnetic
layer 51 in the absence of the external magnetic field H, and as a
result, the smaller the value of hysteresis parameter.
[0101] Furthermore, for the first magnetic layer 51, the smaller
the volume, the lower the residual magnetization in the X
direction, and as a result, the smaller the value of hysteresis
parameter.
[0102] The first magnetic layer 51 of the second example is smaller
in both of the dimension w1 in the X direction and volume than the
first magnetic layer 51 of the first example. This results in a
smaller value of hysteresis parameter in the second example than in
the first example.
[0103] Parameters that have effects on the residual magnetization,
other than dimensions, include coercivity. Given that the
coercivity of the second magnetic layer 52 is of a fixed value,
making the coercivity of the first magnetic layer 51 lower than
that of the second magnetic layer 52 results in a reduction in the
residual magnetization in the X direction, and consequently a
reduction in the value of hysteresis parameter, relative to the
case where the coercivities of the first and second magnetic layers
51 and 52 are equal.
[0104] Next, the results of a fourth simulation will be described.
The fourth simulation investigated the effect of the location of
the magnetic layer nearest the magnetic sensor 12 on the
characteristics of the current sensor 1. The fourth simulation
investigated the relationship between the distances d1 and d2 and
each of the shield factor and the hysteresis parameter in each of
the current sensor 101 of the second comparative example and the
current sensor 1 of the second example. In the fourth simulation,
the structural parameters shown in FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B were set as
follows. The dimension t1 was set at 3 .mu.m. The dimension t2 was
set at 4 .mu.m. The dimension w1 was set at 30 .mu.m. The gap g was
wet at 0.5 .mu.m. The distances d1 and d2 were varied within the
range of 2 to 5 .mu.m.
[0105] In the fourth simulation, in the same manner as the first
and second simulations, an external magnetic field H in a direction
parallel to the X direction was applied to each of the current
sensors 1 and 101 while the magnitude of the external magnetic
field H was increased and decreased within a predetermined range
including positive values and negative values to thereby obtain the
relationship between the magnetic flux density B and the
magnetic-field detection value S. Based on the obtained
relationship, the detection sensitivity and the hysteresis
parameter were calculated. Using the calculated detection
sensitivity and also the detection sensitivity of the first
comparative example (see Table 1), the shield factor was
calculated. In fifth to seventh simulations described later, the
shield factor and the hysteresis parameter were also calculated in
the same manner as in the fourth simulation.
[0106] FIG. 15 is a characteristic chart illustrating the shield
factor obtained from the fourth simulation. FIG. 16 is a
characteristic chart illustrating the hysteresis parameter obtained
from the fourth simulation. FIG. 17 is a characteristic chart
illustrating the relationship between the shield factor and the
hysteresis parameter obtained from the fourth simulation. In FIG.
15, the horizontal axis represents the distances d1 and d2, and the
vertical axis represents the shield factor. In FIG. 16, the
horizontal axis represents the distances d1 and d2, and the
vertical axis represents the hysteresis parameter. In FIG. 17, the
horizontal axis represents the shield factor, and the vertical axis
represents the hysteresis parameter. In each of FIGS. 15 to 17, the
points connected by the solid line 231 represent the characteristic
of the second example, and the points connected by the dashed line
232 represent the characteristic of the second comparative
example.
[0107] As is apparent from FIGS. 15 and 16, as the distances d1 and
d2 increase, the value of the hysteresis parameter decreases,
whereas the shield factor increases. As shown in FIG. 17, given the
same shield factor, the value of the hysteresis parameter is
smaller in the second example (see the reference numeral 231) than
in the second comparative example (see the reference numeral 232).
This embodiment thus enables a reduction in the error in the
current detection value by reducing the value of the hysteresis
parameter while preventing an increase in the absolute value of the
first magnetic field H1.
[0108] Next, the results of a fifth simulation will be described.
The fifth simulation investigated the effect of the dimension w1 in
the X direction of the first magnetic layer 51 on the
characteristics of the current sensor 1. The fifth simulation
investigated the relationship between the dimension w1 and each of
the shield factor and the hysteresis parameter in the current
sensor 1 of the second example. In the fifth simulation, the
structural parameters shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B were set as follows.
The dimension t1 was set at 3 .mu.m. The dimension t2 was set at 4
.mu.m. The distance d2 was set at 2.5 .mu.m. The gap g was set at
0.2 .mu.m. The dimension w1 was varied within the range of 10 to 45
.mu.m.
[0109] FIG. 18 is a characteristic chart illustrating the shield
factor obtained from the fifth simulation. FIG. 19 is a
characteristic chart illustrating the hysteresis parameter obtained
from the fifth simulation. In FIG. 18, the horizontal axis
represents the dimension w1, and the vertical axis represents the
shield factor. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents the
dimension w1, and the vertical axis represents the hysteresis
parameter.
[0110] The value of the shield factor is preferably 22% or less.
This is satisfied when the dimension w1 falls within the range
shown in FIG. 18. The value of the hysteresis parameter is
preferably 0.22 mT or less, which is the value of the hysteresis
parameter when the dimension w1 is equal to the dimension w3 in the
X direction of the second magnetic layer 52. This is satisfied when
the dimension w1 is 36 .mu.m or less, as shown in FIG. 19. In view
of these findings, the dimension w1 is preferably within the range
of 10 to 36 .mu.m. The dimension w3 is 40 .mu.m. Therefore, the
ratio of the dimension w1 to the dimension w3 is preferably within
the range of 25% to 90%.
[0111] Next, the results of a sixth simulation will be described.
The sixth simulation investigated the effect of the dimension t1 in
the Z direction of the first magnetic layer 51 on the
characteristics of the current sensor 1. The sixth simulation
investigated the relationship between the dimension t1 and each of
the shield factor and the hysteresis parameter in the current
sensor 1 of the second example. In the sixth simulation, the
structural parameters shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B were set as follows.
The dimension t2 was set at 4 .mu.m. The dimension w1 was set at 30
.mu.m. The distance d2 was set at 2.5 .mu.m. The gap g was set at
0.2 .mu.m. The dimension t1 was varied within the range of 0.5 to 6
.mu.m.
[0112] FIG. 20 is a characteristic chart illustrating the shield
factor obtained from the sixth simulation. FIG. 21 is a
characteristic chart illustrating the hysteresis parameter obtained
from the sixth simulation. In FIG. 20, the horizontal axis
represents the dimension t1, and the vertical axis represents the
shield factor. In FIG. 21, the horizontal axis represents the
dimension t1, and the vertical axis represents the hysteresis
parameter.
[0113] As described above, the value of the shield factor is
preferably 22% or less. This is satisfied when the dimension t1
falls within the range shown in FIG. 20. Also, as described above,
the value of the hysteresis parameter is preferably 0.22 mT or
less. This is satisfied when the dimension t1 is 5 .mu.m or less,
as shown in FIG. 21. In view of these findings, the dimension t1 is
preferably within the range of 0.5 to 5 .mu.m. The dimension t2 in
the Z direction of the second magnetic layer 52 is 4 .mu.m.
Therefore, the ratio of the dimension t1 in the Z direction of the
first magnetic layer 51 to the dimension t2 in the Z direction of
the second magnetic layer 52 is preferably within the range of
12.5% to 125%.
[0114] A reduction in the dimension in the Z direction of a
magnetic layer may cause the magnetic layer to be susceptible to
magnetic saturation, which may result in impairment of the function
of the magnetic layer to reduce the absolute value of the first
magnetic field H1. According to the embodiment, however, the
provision of the second magnetic layer 52, which has the same
function as the first magnetic layer 51, allows a reduction in the
dimension t1 in the Z direction of the first magnetic layer 51 to a
sufficient degree.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 21, with the dimension t1 ranging up to 2
.mu.m, the value of the hysteresis parameter increases with
decreasing dimension t1. This is considered to be because of the
second magnetic layer 52.
[0116] Next, the results of a seventh simulation will be described.
The seventh simulation investigated the effect of the gap g between
the first magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic layer 52 on the
characteristics of the current sensor 1. The seventh simulation
investigated the relationship between the gap g and each of the
shield factor and the hysteresis parameter in the current sensor 1
of the second example. In the seventh simulation, the structural
parameters shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B were set as follows. The
dimension t1 was set at 3 .mu.m. The dimension t2 was set at 4
.mu.m. The dimension w1 was set at 30 .mu.m. The distance d2 was
set at 2.5 .mu.m. The gap g was varied within the range of 0.1 to
10 .mu.m.
[0117] The seventh simulation investigated the shield factor and
the hysteresis parameter also on a current sensor of a third
comparative example in the same manner as the current sensor 1 of
the second example. In the current sensor of the third comparative
example, the gap g was set at 0 .mu.m to bring the first magnetic
layer 51 and the second magnetic layer 52 into contact with each
other. The other configuration of the current sensor of the third
comparative example is the same as that of the current sensor 1 of
the second example.
[0118] FIG. 22 is a characteristic chart illustrating the shield
factor obtained from the seventh simulation. FIG. 23 is a
characteristic chart illustrating the hysteresis parameter obtained
from the seventh simulation. In FIG. 22, the horizontal axis
represents the gap g, and the vertical axis represents the shield
factor. In FIG. 23, the horizontal axis represents the gap g, and
the vertical axis represents the hysteresis parameter. In each of
FIGS. 22 and 23, the points connected by the solid line 241
represent the characteristic of the second example, and the point
242 represents the characteristic of the third comparative
example.
[0119] As described above, the value of the shield factor is
preferably 22% or less. This is satisfied with the gap g within the
range shown in FIG. 22. Also, as described above, the value of the
hysteresis parameter is preferably 0.22 mT or less. This is
satisfied with the gap g within the range shown in FIG. 23. In view
of these findings, the gap g preferably falls within the range of
0.1 to 10 .mu.m. The lower limit of this range, 0.1 .mu.m,
corresponds to a minimum dimension in the Z direction of the
nonmagnetic layer 66, which is interposed between the first
magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic layer 52, that can be
formed in a stable manner.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 23, the third comparative example (see the
reference numeral 242) shows a larger value of hysteresis parameter
compared with the second example (see the reference numeral 241).
This is because bringing the first and second magnetic layers 51
and 52 into contact with each other makes the two magnetic layers
into substantially a single magnetic layer, thus making the two
magnetic layers 51 and 52 to become unable to provide their effect
of reducing the value of hysteresis parameter.
[0121] Another effect of this embodiment will now be described. In
this embodiment, the coil 11, the magnetic sensor 12, the first
magnetic layer 51 and the second magnetic layer 52 are integrated
with each other and are independent of the bus bar 2. The
embodiment thus makes it possible to configure the current sensor 1
and the magnetic sensor device 50 independent of the bus bar 2.
[0122] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing
embodiment, and various modifications may be made thereto. For
example, the magnetic sensor 12 may include, in place of the
magnetoresistive elements, any elements that are other than
magnetoresistive elements and configured to detect a magnetic
field, such as Hall elements.
[0123] Further, the magnetic sensor 12, the first magnetic layer 51
and the second magnetic layer 52 may be arranged in this order in
the -Z direction. In such a case, the second magnetic layer 52 is
located between the first magnetic layer 51 and the substrate 61.
The coil 11 and the magnetic sensor 12 are located above the first
magnetic layer 51.
[0124] The current sensor 1 may include a first pair of first and
second magnetic layers 51 and 52 disposed above the coil 11 and the
magnetic sensor 12, and a second pair of first and second magnetic
layers 51 and 52 disposed below the coil 11 and the magnetic sensor
12. The first pair of first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52
correspond to the first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 of the
embodiment. The first magnetic layer 51 of the second pair of first
and second magnetic layers 51 and 52 is located closer to the
magnetic sensor 12 than is the second magnetic layer 52 of the
second pair of first and second magnetic layers 51 and 52.
[0125] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. Thus,
it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended
claims and equivalents thereof, the invention may be practiced in
other embodiments than the foregoing most preferable
embodiment.
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